Essential Information
An MS in Human Resources Management degree program provides the skills necessary to design benefits and compensation plans, devise training strategies and assist in company-wide reorganizations. Students also study employment policies and laws. Some curricula also include internship opportunities and require students to complete capstone or research projects that demonstrate their abilities to make effective human resource decisions.
Most programs take 18 months to complete, and they may be offered online. To apply, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree.
Master of Science in Human Resources Management
Students in these programs learn to develop ways of motivating employees, resolving conflicts and encouraging positive attitudes within organizations. They also explore issues of ethnicity and multicultural awareness within the workplace. Courses within a program could include:
- Employee relations
- Labor relations
- Strategic planning
- Employment law
- Conflict management and dispute resolution
- Recruitment, selection and assessment
Popular Career Options
Graduates are typically qualified for careers in the human resources department of nearly any business or organization. They can also seek opportunities in local, state or federal government working with policymakers. Possible job titles include:
- Director of recruitment
- Human resources administrator
- Job placement coordinator
- Resume consultant
- Labor relations advisor
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the majority of human resources managers earned from $71,180 to $208,000 per year in 2020, while human resources specialists generally made between $37,710 and $109,350 at that time. The BLS projects that job opportunities for human resources managers will grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029, and human resources specialists can expect to experience 7% growth during the same period.
Continuing Education
Working professionals can enroll in graduate certificate programs to keep abreast of the latest information, practices and technology used in human resources management. Individuals who would like to pursue more advanced degrees can apply to doctoral degree programs in human resources and related business fields. Within these programs, they can study public policy, organizational operations and labor interactions as well as devise theories and seek improvements based on research. Doctoral degree-holders can become academicians, teaching university courses and publishing their findings in professional journals.
By earning an MS in Human Resource Management, students build the advanced communications skills and business expertise they need for supervisory positions in the field or to pursue further education.
